A man has been arrested after several gravestones were vandalised at St Mary’s Church yard in Baldock last month.

It was reported that overnight from Thursday,  July 18 into Friday, July 19, damage was caused to gravestones within St Mary’s Church yard, the windows of St Mary's Community Hall, several car windscreens and a brick wall, while offensive graffiti was sprayed on a footpath.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in relation to those offences.

He has been interviewed and released on police bail while enquiries continue.

At the time of the incident, the church hall was temporarily closed on police advice, with services such as foodbanks being cancelled.

Rector Rev Phillipa Maddox told the BBC “All the windows and doors” of the church hall had been smashed.

“It's really such a profound shock because this is a space that’s loved by the community.

"It's hard to think of something so violent being done in a space that feels so peaceful."

Gravestones at St Mary's Church in Baldock were damaged during the incident.Gravestones at St Mary's Church in Baldock were damaged during the incident. (Image: St Mary's Church Baldock) PC Sam Durham, who is investigating, said: “Thank you to all those who have come forward with information in response to this incident and our press appeal.

“The responses have allowed us to investigate the circumstances in more detail and now an arrest has been made.

“Should you have any further information in relation to this damage, please report it directly to me by email via sam.durham@herts.police.uk.”